On May 16th, 140 MOSAIC staff and board members gathered to celebrate the announcement of the Eyob G. Naizghi Scholarship Award, from which $5,000 annually will be awarded to a female refugee for leadership development through education and training. Whether her leadership was highlighted in a refugee camp or in Canada, or by mobilizing people anywhere in the world, this scholarship will support her future leadership aspirations in Canada.

Eyob Naizghi will step down from his role as MOSAIC’s Executive Director at the end of June.

In announcing the news about the award, MOSAIC Board Chairperson Dr. Mehran Kiai spoke about Naizghi’s dedication and commitment to the mission and values of MOSAIC during his 25-year tenure at MOSAIC, serving as Executive Director for the past 17 years. Dr. Kiai lauded his authenticity and sense of “humility and selflessness”, saying those traits can be “a lesson for all of us”.

Naizghi was visibly moved by the award, telling those assembled that it has been a great pleasure and privilege working with them. He said that “serving as Executive Director is not an authority, but a responsibility”, adding “It has been a great journey and I’m proud of the difference we’ve made together.”